Life Kit (NPR) — “What to Do If You're Losing Your Hair”
Release Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Marielle Segarra
Featured Reporter: Sidney Lupkin
Guest Experts: Dr. Carolyn Go (UCLA Health), Thea Chassen (Bald Girls Do Lunch), Dr. Jessica Shepherd (Her Hers), Allison Richards (shared her hair loss journey)
Episode Overview
This Life Kit episode, originally produced by NPR’s science podcast Short Wave, takes a compassionate, evidence-based look at hair loss—what causes it, how it can affect people (with a focus on women), and what science-backed options are available to help. Host Marielle Segarra and reporter Sidney Lupkin explore myths, treatments, new research, and the real emotional toll of losing hair, with expert insights and personal stories that normalize this often-stigmatized issue.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Personal Stories: The Emotional Impact of Hair Loss
- The episode opens with Allison Richards, who recalls being praised for her hair in childhood but experiencing noticeable thinning in her 20s and dramatic hair loss during COVID.
- Quote: “There was one day in the shower where just I had hundreds of strands of hair—like fistfuls of hair coming out.” —Allison Richards (01:17)
- Hair loss is framed as an identity issue, not just cosmetic.
- Quote: “Even though it’s not life threatening, hair loss can be devastating. It can feel like part of your identity is slipping away.” —Sidney Lupkin (01:27)
- Not just a “guy thing”: About half of women will experience hair loss at some point (01:41).
2. Understanding Hair Growth and Loss (with Dr. Carolyn Go)
- Explanation of hair growth cycles: growth, transition, and “rest” (telogen).
- Quote: “It’s at the end of that telogen phase when your hair actually sheds. And when the hair is shedding, it’s because there’s a new hair growing and pushing it out.” —Dr. Carolyn Go (05:04)
- Some hair loss is normal; stress or life events (e.g., after childbirth, illness) can synchronize hair cycles and cause noticeable but temporary shedding (05:13).
- Myths and Misinformation: Dr. Go debunks common home remedies.
- “Somebody asked me about cucumber today and I said, you know, if that worked, cucumbers would probably be $50 a pop for hair loss.” —Dr. Carolyn Go (04:24)
- Notes one small randomized trial suggests rosemary oil might be helpful, but social media is awash in unproven “cures” (03:57-04:40).
- Scarring and autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata) differ from typical pattern (hormonal) hair loss.
- Symptoms like tenderness, redness, and pimples can point to less common forms (06:23).
3. Diagnosis: Why Seeing an Expert Matters
- Diagnosis type is crucial—treatments depend on the specific cause (09:54).
- It can be challenging to get a dermatologist appointment; primary care doctors can be dismissive.
- Quote: “Sometimes it can be frustrating and difficult to get in to see your doctor. So I have a method... I call [the office] every single day, and I will ask every day, did someone cancel?” —Thea Chassen (10:22)
- Telehealth services are filling a gap, especially for pattern hair loss in women, but they don’t work for every type of hair loss, especially unusual or scarring conditions (11:28-11:57).
4. Treatment Options: What Science Actually Supports
Female and Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
- Topical minoxidil (e.g., Rogaine): only FDA-approved OTC treatment; evidence-backed but “messy” and inconvenient for some (12:40).
- Oral minoxidil and spironolactone: prescribed off-label, sometimes effective, require close monitoring for side effects (13:45).
- Detail: “She [my doctor] would literally go through a checklist... How are you feeling? Are you noticing you’re going to the bathroom more? Do you have muscle cramps?” —Allison Richards (13:45)
- Regular bloodwork is important to check for kidney effects (14:13).
Alopecia Areata and Autoimmune Hair Loss
- New prescription drugs (“JAK inhibitors”) were recently approved; target the overactive immune response (12:11).
- Review studies show substantial regrowth for alopecia areata, not for hormone-driven pattern hair loss.
5. Social Media: Support and Pressure
- Influencers and online communities (e.g. Reddit) help some feel less alone, but celebrity culture can set unrealistic beauty standards by hiding wigs and extensions (14:13).
- Allison’s main message: support and redefine beauty for yourself.
- “There’s always going to be somebody to hold your hand, cheer you on. And if you ever feel like your beauty is compromised, beauty gets redefined.” —Allison Richards (14:44)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Hair Loss is Personal:
“And there’s ways to live beautifully with this… putting women in the driver’s seat of their life with alopecia.” —Thea Chassen (07:36) -
On Unproven Remedies:
“If that worked, cucumbers would probably be $50 a pop for hair loss. Someone would have…monetized it.” —Dr. Carolyn Go (04:24) -
On Getting Help:
“Sometimes primary care doctors are dismissive and it can be hard to get an appointment with a dermatologist.” —Sidney Lupkin (09:54)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening & Allison’s story: 00:40–01:35
- What counts as “normal” hair loss: 05:04–05:35
- Types of hair loss & symptoms: 06:23–06:59
- Thea Chassen’s journey & acceptance: 07:10–08:07
- Diagnosis challenges & telehealth: 09:54–11:57
- JAK inhibitors breakthrough: 12:11–12:40
- Minoxidil, oral therapies, and monitoring: 12:40–14:13
- Social media & finding support: 14:13–14:44
Final Takeaways
- Hair loss is common among both men and women and can feel deeply personal—but you’re not alone.
- Getting a specific diagnosis is critical; not all hair loss is the same, and treatments differ.
- Most over-the-counter “miracles” are not evidence-based; stick to proven medications under a doctor’s supervision.
- Support communities and changing narratives about beauty can help counter the isolation and stigma.
- If you’re struggling to get care, persistence (and perhaps a creative approach to getting appointments) can pay off.
For more science-backed advice and support, listen to the full episode of Life Kit from NPR.